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Battle for Hawks' first-round playoff opponent

The Hawks have long ago clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The battle for No. 8 is far from decided - and it might come down to the final day of the season.

Five teams are within 2-1/2 games of each other for the final two playoff spots. Right now the Hawks would open against the Nets, a team they play twice in the final two weeks of the regular season. Here's how the battle sits today with schedules. We'll update this each day until a "winner" is determined.

7. Miami (34-40) 21.5 GB 8 games remaining

8. Brooklyn (34-40) 21.5 GB 8 games remaining

9. Boston (34-41) 22.0 GB 7 games remaining

10. Charlotte (32-42) 23.5 GB 8 games remaining

11. Indiana (32-43) 24.0 GB 7 games remaining

Upcoming schedules

Heat: 4 home, 4 away - at Cavaliers April 2, at Pistons April 4, at Pacers April 5, vs. Hornets April 7, vs. Bulls April 9, vs. Raptors April 11, vs. Magic April 14, at 76ers April 15